EPISODE 3
1857 Words
The Call Home
That evening, Adrian returned to his apartment in downtown Shanghai, his mind still replaying the scene from the boardroom. He loosened his tie and dropped onto the couch with a tired sigh. The city lights shimmered through the tall windows, but he barely noticed them.
He leaned back, rubbing his temples.
How did this happen? Out of everyone in the company… why me?
His phone buzzed on the table beside him. The screen lit up with the name Chen Wei — his cousin, and the General Manager of Longhua Industries, one of the largest and most prestigious corporations in China.
Adrian hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Hey, Wei.”
“Ah, the ever-serious Director Lee finally decided to pick up my call,” Chen Wei teased from the other end. “What’s wrong this time? Buried in work again?”
Adrian gave a soft sigh. “Something like that.”
“Let me guess — another project with impossible deadlines?”
Adrian paused for a moment, then said quietly, “Not exactly impossible. Just… complicated. Eden Global just signed a new endorsement deal. Noah Reid is going to be the face of our new design line.”
Chen Wei chuckled immediately, not the least bit surprised.
“Of course it’s him. Who else could make you sound this conflicted?”
Adrian frowned faintly. “You’re already laughing.”
“Well, I should be. You’ve been Noah Reid’s biggest fan since forever. So what’s the problem? Don’t tell me you’re nervous about meeting your idol.”
Adrian exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “That’s not it. The reason I’m restless is because Noah Reid personally requested me. He wants me to take full charge of his project until his contract with Eden Global ends.”
There was a short silence before Chen Wei burst into laughter.
“You? The perfectionist, the man who once got nervous meeting a board director — now working hand-in-hand with the celebrity you practically worship? Oh, this is going to be fun.”
“Wei.” Adrian’s tone sharpened slightly.
“What? I’m just saying — in another way, you should be thrilled. How many fans get to work closely with their idol? You’re living the dream!”
Adrian groaned, sinking deeper into the couch. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
“Of course I am. You’ve spent your whole life buried in sketches and deadlines. Maybe this is what you need — a bit of excitement.”
Adrian muttered under his breath, “Excitement is the last thing I need.”
Chen Wei laughed even harder. “You’ll be fine. Just don’t faint when you see him in person, okay?”
Adrian rolled his eyes. “Goodnight, Wei.”
“Goodnight, cousin. And good luck with your superstar tomorrow.”
The call ended, and for a long moment, Adrian sat quietly, staring out at the glowing skyline.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips despite his nerves.
Excitement, huh? We’ll see about that.
He rose and headed toward his bedroom. The walls were adorned with framed photos and posters — all of Noah Reid. Movie stills, interviews, even autographed shots from fan meetings he’d attended in disguise. His private little world, hidden from everyone.
Adrian turned off the lights and lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Tomorrow, he would finally meet Noah Reid — not as a fan, but as his director.
And he wasn’t sure if he was ready.
---
The First Day
Morning came too soon.
Adrian arrived at Eden Global earlier than usual, his every step precise and controlled. His black suit was immaculate, his expression calm, but his heart wasn’t. He had spent half the night preparing documents and setting the schedule to make sure everything stayed strictly professional.
At exactly 9:00 a.m., the elevator doors opened — and Noah Reid stepped out with his manager beside him. He wore a dark overcoat and sunglasses, but even without trying, he carried an aura that made people pause and stare.
“Director Lee,” the receptionist called softly, snapping Adrian from his thoughts.
Adrian turned, just as Noah removed his sunglasses and smiled politely.
> “Good morning. I hope I’m not too early.”
Adrian’s heart gave a quiet, traitorous thump. He’s even more striking without his sunglasses on
He quickly composed himself.
> “Not at all, Mr. Reid. Welcome to Eden Global. I’ll be handling your orientation and the campaign briefing.”
Noah chuckled lightly. “Please, call me Noah. ‘Mr. Reid’ makes me feel like I’m back on set.”
Adrian hesitated, then gave a small nod. “Then… Noah it is.”
As they walked through the corridor, Adrian outlined the day’s schedule — concept discussions, wardrobe fittings, and the initial creative meeting. Every word was crisp, professional, rehearsed.
Noah listened attentively, occasionally nodding, though his gaze often lingered on Adrian rather than the surroundings.
When they entered the design studio, Noah’s expression softened with awe.
> “So this is where the magic happens.”
> “Our creative department,” Adrian confirmed. “You’ll be meeting the visual team later this afternoon.”
Noah turned to him, smiling faintly.
> “And you’ll be there too, right? My… supervising director?”
Adrian blinked once before replying. “Of course. I’ll be making sure everything goes smoothly.”
Their eyes met — just long enough for an unspoken current to pass between them. Adrian looked away first, pretending to check his tablet.
> Keep it professional, he reminded himself. Always professional.
But Noah seemed to enjoy watching his restraint.
> “You really take your job seriously, Director Lee.”
Adrian’s lips curved faintly. “That’s what I’m paid for.”
Noah chuckled softly. “Somehow, I think you’d still do it even if you weren’t.”
Adrian froze briefly, unsure how to respond. Noah only smiled and turned toward the sketches pinned on the wall.
> “Well,” Noah said lightly, “I look forward to working with you… closely.”
Adrian forced a polite smile, but his pulse betrayed him.
The day had only just begun — and already, he could tell this was going to be far more complicated than he imagined.
---
First Collaborative Shoot
The design studio at Eden Global was alive with activity. Lighting rigs towered over the set, cameras were positioned at multiple angles, and assistants adjusted props and backdrops with meticulous care. Adrian Lee stood to the side, clipboard in hand, observing everything with sharp precision. His role was clear: supervise the shoot, guide Noah, and ensure the campaign met the exacting standards of Eden Global.
Noah Reid stepped onto the set, already dressed in the first ensemble — a tailored deep navy suit with subtle metallic accents. He moved with ease, adjusting his posture slightly as he glanced at the camera. Adrian noted every detail: the angle of his shoulders, the fall of the fabric, the way the lighting caught the metallic thread.
> “Turn slightly to the left, Noah,” Adrian instructed, voice calm and measured. “Chin up, but relax your shoulders. That’s better.”
Noah obeyed, his movements fluid, almost effortless. He held the pose for several seconds as the camera clicked. Then, as Adrian directed, he changed positions, shifted weight, and even subtly adjusted the placement of the cuffs and tie to ensure every detail looked perfect.
> “Perfect,” Adrian muttered to himself. Not that he needed to hear it, he already knew.
The first look was done. Noah stepped back as the assistants brought the next outfit: a flowing silk tunic paired with intricate jewelry — necklaces, bracelets, and rings. He changed quickly in the designated area, emerging with a quiet confidence that made Adrian’s pulse tighten, though he refused to show it.
> “Let’s try a few seated shots for this set,” Adrian said. “Angle the camera slightly lower to catch the jewelry’s shine. Noah, tilt your wrist just a little so the light hits the bracelet.”
Noah tilted his wrist exactly as instructed, a faint smile crossing his face as the camera captured the shimmer. Adrian caught it out of the corner of his eye — a subtle teasing look, but fleeting. He ignored it and returned his attention to the monitors, checking each shot for precision.
> “Good. Now let’s go full-length with this one,” Adrian continued. “Shift your stance so your weight is on the back foot. Perfect.”
As the shoot continued, Noah moved through several more outfits — sleek formal wear, casual luxe ensembles, and delicate designer accessories. Each time, Adrian remained at the periphery, issuing calm, precise instructions, adjusting angles, lighting, and posture as needed.
> “Slightly higher on the shoulders, Noah. Perfect. Hold.”
Noah’s gaze occasionally flicked toward Adrian, a silent acknowledgment of his supervision. At one point, he quipped softly, just loud enough for Adrian to hear:
> “You know, Director Lee… you make all this look easy.”
Adrian’s pulse betrayed him for a fraction of a second, but he kept his voice neutral:
> “It’s my job to make it easy for you to perform.”
Noah’s smile was quick and faint, disappearing as he turned back to pose. There was no lingering, no teasing remarks — just subtle tension in their shared space. Adrian couldn’t help but notice how natural Noah was with the clothes, how every gesture highlighted the design, and how the actor’s presence made the pieces come alive.
They moved on to the jewelry section next. Noah handled each delicate piece with precision, adjusting chains and bracelets while Adrian instructed lighting adjustments to capture every sparkle.
> “Tilt your head slightly to the right. That’s it. Beautiful,” Adrian said, checking the monitor.
Noah’s lips curved in a brief, appreciative smile. Adrian caught it, but didn’t look directly at him. Professional. Nothing else.
Hours passed with a steady rhythm: wardrobe changes, jewelry adjustments, multiple angles, and careful lighting tweaks. Adrian rarely left his observation point, issuing precise, measured directions while Noah moved seamlessly between outfits. There was efficiency, professionalism, and — beneath it all — a quiet undercurrent of admiration on Adrian’s side that he refused to acknowledge.
By the end of the day, the studio was littered with clothing racks and jewelry trays, the lighting dimmed, and the cameras packed away. Noah, now in a simple black outfit, stretched and glanced toward Adrian.
> “Well, Director Lee, we survived the first day,” he said lightly, though his tone carried a subtle warmth.
Adrian allowed himself a small nod, checking his notes.
> “Yes. Everything looks good. The shots are ready for review. You handled the day very well.”
Noah’s smile lingered a moment longer, then he turned to gather his things. Adrian watched quietly, forcing himself to remain professional, though inwardly he knew: working with Noah Reid was going to be far more complicated than anyone could anticipate.
---
- Writer
